Briarcrest Teacher’s and Students’ Art on Display at The University of Memphis

2/28/2018

Briarcrest Middle School Art Teacher Melody Weintraub and two of her 8th Grade Honors Art Students, Lily Hydrick and Christian Allen recently attended the opening reception for The 12th Annual University of Memphis’ Art Education Alumni Exhibit at The Martha and Robert Fogelman Gallery of Contemporary Art at The University of Memphis.

This art exhibit, under the direction of Art Ed Program Coordinator, Dr. Bryna Bobick, features work by art teachers who have taken coursework from UM’s Art Education Program along with the work of two students who are selected to show with their teacher. Mrs. Weintraub not only received her Masters Degree through this program, but also served there for two years as a full-time appointed instructor before returning to Briarcrest in 2012. The theme of this year’s exhibit is, “Reflections.”

“I chose Lily’s altered book, “Vanity Unfair,” and Christian’s self-portrait, “Freedom from Technology,” because I felt that they each exemplified the theme,” said Mrs. Weintraub. “These students used the concept of reflection as each of them pondered how they are affected by the world around them. I chose to exhibit my altered book, “Reflections on The Diary of Anne Frank,” which I designed specifically for this exhibit.” Using mirrors, found objects, and mixed media, Mrs. Weintraub sought to visually recreate the story told by this young victim of The Holocaust. “It is my hope that those who see my book will see their own reflection on the pages,” said Mrs. Weintraub.

This exhibit will be open daily through March 15. The gallery is located in The Art and Communications Building at The University of Memphis, 3715 Central Avenue.